DERRICK A
The Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) of the Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces (UPDF) recently burned and destroyed illegal fishing gear, including nets and boats worth 160 million UGX, which had been confiscated from Congolese fishermen. The event was led by Lt. Col. Mercy Tukahirwa and other officials from the FPU headquarters during a familiarization tour at the Rwenshama landing site on Lake Edward in Bwambara sub-county, Rukungiri district.
Lt. Col. Tukahirwa urged the fishermen at Rwenshama landing site to support the government’s efforts to combat illegal fishing by reporting any suspects. She disclosed that they had also seized 83 boat engines from Congolese fishermen involved in illegal fishing and breeding activities.
Tukahirwa emphasized that the destroyed fishing gear was illegal under Ugandan law because it was used to catch young fish, posing a significant threat to fish populations in the lakes. She warned local leaders at Rwenshama landing site against facilitating illegal fishing and urged them to cooperate with the soldiers to curb these activities.
Namugyenyi Aisha, the parish councilor of Rwenshama parish, was identified by the commander as having received reports of illegal fishing activities linked to her. Aisha claimed that the illegal fishing was conducted by fishermen using her boat without her knowledge, and she had since taken steps to improve the situation.
Lt. Mbazira, who oversees anti-illegal fishing operations on Lake Edward and Lake George, stated that these operations would continue across all landing sites until illegal fishing activities are completely eradicated. He noted that some leaders involved in illegal fishing have shown improvement since he assumed office.
